Love and Compromise

Relationship is all about sacrifice. Usually, in order for two unique people to perfectly blend together as one, the relationship calls for a compromise. Whether it’s about making adjustments to your daily routines or tweaking your habits, to compromise means doing what it takes to make your partner happy, and isn’t that what makes a relationship work?

You can compromise and find that you are happier because things are actually great between the two of you. You might even realize that you’ve become a better person in the process. Because you want to make your partner happy, you become more punctual, or tidier, or less demanding, or more caring. You can compromise a lot of things, but you don’t have to compromise on everything. While there are a lot of things you can do to make your partner happy, there are things you shouldn’t give up simply to do that. Let me give you three things that you shouldn’t compromise in a relationship:

1. Values. You shouldn’t have to change your beliefs and your standing on things to fit into someone else’s values. Hold true to what you believe in, because the belief system and the set of values which you have built over the course of your lifetime is what makes you who you are. Don’t give it up simply to make your relationship work.

2. Relationships. We are social beings. Being able to spend quality time with our friends and family is essential to our lives. In fact, our entire existence is built upon the relationship we have with them. So, if your partner is asking you to give up your family or your friends to make it work with him, here’s a word of advice: run as fast as you can towards your friends and your family and away as far as you can from him!

3. Passion and your purpose in life. Everyone of us is put on this earth to do something big in life. We are made with a purpose and our passion is the key to discovering that purpose. You should always strive to do the things you are passionate about in life to achieve that “something big”. Your passion makes you who you are and it cannot be traded, even for all the love in the world. If you are asked to give up on the things you are passionate about to make a relationship work, you might as well give the whole thing up, because without passion, you won’t be the same person anymore anyway.

4. Perception of Beauty. If someone doesn't love the way you look when they start dating you, you shouldn't date them. They're not going to magically enjoy your body/appearance in a way they didn't before, and even if they did, who would want to be with someone who had to get used to the idea of finding you attractive? If you are dating someone, and feel that you should constantly be losing ten pounds, or not be seen without makeup, or dressing in a way that feels uncomfortable to you, you're never going to be truly happy. And if someone slowly convinces you over the course of a relationship that you are not okay the way you are, and you need to change your standards of beauty to meet theirs, that is simply a bad relationship.

Relationship is about sacrifice, yes it is indeed. And sometimes, you might be called to compromise on things to make your relationship work. However, when the time comes for you to do so, please remember that you don’t have to compromise everything. Please don’t lose yourself in the name of love.

Maya Axioo, Chelsea Fagan

Queenstown, New Zealand 2015 (part 1)

As a frequent traveller, I've tried many types of accommodation options; budget hotel, boutique hotel, guest house, private house rental, apartment, luxurious 5* hotel, even hostel (ugh, once is enough). I can’t always choose a luxury hotel but don’t want to stay in an ugly budget hotel. I'm not that type of person who prefer to suffer while sleeping and showering, as long as they can see the tourist attractions and shop. Even though I were travelling on a budget, I will never ever stay in a cheap-but-hideous budget hotel. I'll go for boutique hotels or apartments or private house rentals (airbnb) that offer something different. 

Talking about accommodation, my Queenstown's was more-than-awesome. Some people might say, for a room I will barely be in most of the day, it's a waste of money. For us, a stay in New Zealand's number one holiday destination deserves premium accommodation. My accommodation is located in an elite area with 3000 acre settlement in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. It combines a sustainable design approach with contemporary architecture. All day sun elevated to enjoy the absolutely awe inspiring lake & mountain views. The Remarkables mountain ranges dominate the skyline; there was still snow on the peaks when I arrived. This brand new home offers many surprises with full modern amenities. On the description, they say: expect the unexpected.

Without further due, here are pictures of the house, some of them featuring my sis in law doing her morning yoga.

open plan kitchen with modern appliances and dishwasher under the island

homemade wagyu steak by sister in law's talented  brother and a fine wine for a perfect relaxing day

room one, 1st storey that has big window with The Remarkables as the view

my room two, 2nd storey

my room has a cavity slider to living room. On the right side, I can see views of  The Remarkables 

hidden room 3, 3rd storey. Need to climb a small staircase that leads to the room

Basically, no detail has been missed. Each room is unique and offers something truly special for my holiday to Queenstown. It was very warm during winter with underfloor heating, fireplace and heat pump. Promise to self that I'm coming back! It's definitely one of the best place I've ever stayed in and worth every penny.

Melbourne Trip 2015 (part 2)

I'm dividing the Melbourne trip into two parts, assuming there'd be tons of pictures, but then I realise there's almost nothing to post as I lost my camera. YES, I LOST MY CAMERA on my last day in Queenstown with all the pictures of beautiful Melbourne and Queenstown in it. Thankfully, I went there with two kind-hearted photographers with their gigantic cameras, who're willing to take pictures of me.

Beauties at Victoria Market

The famous Max Brenner chocolate pizza

Another famous food in Melbourne, Gyutandon from Menya Ramen

Melbourne Trip 2015 (part 1)

It's been few years since the last time I visited Melbourne, so I'm so excited! The main reason of this trip is to do pre wedding photoshoot of my 4th brother and his fiancé. We stayed at a small nice house at suburb area of Melbourne, Dandenong (around 30km from the city). Anyway it's my first experience with Airbnb, and since I love to travel, I'm planning to keep on using it! If you’re unfamiliar with it, Airbnb is a place where private home owners can rent out their properties (it can be rooms, apartments, or even house) to travellers. It gives hosts a platform to earn some short term rental income and travellers the chance to enjoy the comforts of a private home. I would definitely choose Airbnb over hotel, for the sake of social benefits. It’s always good to meet new people and the host will often be able to provide you with local knowledge and information which will make your stay even more pleasant.

Trick Eye Museum Singapore

mandatory spot

First started in South Korea, the renowned Trick Eye Museum is the original three-dimensional art gallery which has since spawned many followers around the world. This museum at Resorts World Sentosa is their first overseas venture and opened its door in Singapore on 8 June 2014. Operating daily from 10.00am to 9.00pm, visitors to the museum will journey through six themed zones, titled World of Masterpieces, Safari Kingdom, Stars of Circus, Dreams of Fairytale, Love in Winter, and Adventure Discovery.

Basically, I had fun taking photos! I got over 50 satisfying photos only from this place (LOL). Even for someone that is not really into taking pictures like my sister, it was fun actually. The way the pictures turn out when you take them from an angle is the interesting part. Moreover, if you are not an expert, there are instructions on where to stand for the photographers which is really helpful. The place has great lighting and WIFI connection (so you can upload your pic right away). For those who are planning to visit this place, my suggestions are:

1. Buy online and print the receipt (save 20%)

2. Wear comfortable outfits (preferably shorts) bcs there are moments where you have to crawl and lay down

3. Make sure that camera is fully charged & have enough memory space

The Ritz Carlton Bali

During my third visit to Bali this year, I managed to visit Ritz Carlton Hotel Bali with boyfriend. We got lost at first, but finally found the hidden gem thanks to GPS. Once we got in, we entered into a very expansive lobby which happens to be on a cliff overlooking the resort itself. The view from up is sooo beautiful.
  To get to the villas, restaurants, chapel, and beach, you have to take a 70 meter high glass elevator down the cliff. Once you get there you can either take the buggies readily available to where you want to go or simply walk. All the villas, restaurants, pool and beach are very walkable to be honest but you won't complain about having a free ride right? I would love to go back there with my whole family if given the chance. I think it's worth the buck. There is construction still going on on in different parts of the resort and another resort being built up next door. However, it is still a very beautiful resort.  

glass elevator design. Source: google  

sea-side chapel!